Transport minister Jesse Norman said: ‘This investment will enable councils to repair roads and key infrastructure like bridges – boosting reliability on our roads so people can stay connected with family, friends and employment, while also keeping businesses connected with customers.

‘Most of the schemes will be delivered within the next 12 months, so many drivers will see an immediate impact.’

Among the projects that will receive funding is a £4.6m refurbishment of the A589 Greyhound Bridge in Lancashire, which will enable HGVs to access the bridge. The Department for Transport (DfT) is providing £3.7m.

A major carriageway and drainage renewal scheme to regenerate the dual-carriageway stretch of the A361 in Devon will receive £4.3m towards the £5m cost.

The DfT said a scheme in Northumberland costing £6.5m will receive £5m to repair and strengthen key routes for the rural and regional economy, giving a boost to tourism by making it easier for visitors to reach destinations such as Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site and Northumberland National Park.

The challenge fund has now been distributed twice. Tranche 1 was allocated in 2015, with the new tranche called 2A.

A spokesperson for the DfT told Highways that a further tranche would be announced during this Parliament.